Functional training rig kit

ABSTRACT

A functional training rig kit includes a box and a plurality of components adapted to fit within the box. At least some of the components and the box include elements by which the components are adapted to be attached to the outside of the box to provide at least one functional training rig attached to the outside of the box.

BACKGROUND

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/195,289 filed on Mar. 8, 2021. That application is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/711,030 filed on Dec. 11, 2019. Thatapplication, in turn, is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/116,659 filed on Aug. 29, 2018, which has now matured into U.S.Pat. No. 10,525,306 dated Jan. 7, 2020. That application, in turn, is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/639,460 filed onJun. 30, 2017, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,398,937 dated Sep. 3,2019. That application, in turn, is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/057,297 which was filed on Mar. 1, 2016, whichissued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,700,761 dated Jul. 11, 2017. The '761 patentis, in turn, a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/388,554 filed on Sep. 26, 2014, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,308,410 on Apr. 12, 2016. The '410 patent is the entry into thenational phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2013/067139 datedAug. 16, 2013. This invention relates to a kit for a functional trainingrig.

Functional training rigs are frameworks that allow one or more users toperform a range of functional training exercises, developing bodystrength using traditional bodyweight exercises, as well as providing astructure to support accessories such as jumping platforms, grapplers,bungee hooks, dip bars and J-pegs which facilitate integration withother gym equipment to enhance the functionality of the rig by allowingadditional exercises to be performed. To this end a functional trainingrig generally comprises a plurality of upright components, eachsupporting a cantilever, with horizontal bars interconnecting thecantilevers. A problem with such functional training rigs is that, onceassembled, they are permanent structures which occupy a significantspace. There are many situations where an individual or group wishes toundertake exercise in an area which is not permanently dedicated tofitness training alone, or an area which temporarily has no gymnasium,or a permanent fitness training area which has no storage for functionaltraining rigs or other gym equipment. It would be desirable to be ableto provide a functional training rig which can readily be assembled,dismantled and conveniently stored for transportation.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide afunctional training rig which overcomes, or at least ameliorates, theabove-mentioned problem.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to the present invention there is provided a functionaltraining rig kit comprising a box and a plurality of components adaptedto fit within the box, at least some of the components and the boxincluding means by which the components are adapted to be attached tothe outside of the box to provide at least one functional training rigattached to the outside of the box.

The functional training rig may be attached to an external side wall ofthe box by means of a bracket which is substantially U-shaped incross-section, with free ends of the legs of the U adjacent to the sidewall and with securing means for the functional training rig provided inthe base of the U. The securing means for the functional training rigmay comprise an aperture provided through the base of the U and acaptive nut secured inside the base of the U. Securing means may beprovided in end regions of the bracket. The free end of the legs of theU adjacent to the side wall of the box may be interconnected bytransverse ties. The transverse ties may be provided in end regions ofthe bracket. The transverse ties may be threaded and the bracket may besecured to the wall of the box by means of an attaching bracket providedinternally of the box and provided with apertures such that threadedfasteners pass through the attaching bracket and the wall of the box andare received in threaded apertures in the transverse ties. The wall ofthe box may be corrugated and the bracket may be provided in a recesseswall portion of the corrugated wall.

Alternatively, components of the or each functional training rig may beassembled onto prepositioned plates provided on the outside of the box.The or each functional training rig may be attached to the outside ofthe box in such a way that vertical and/or horizontal movement betweenthe functional training rig and the box is permitted. The or eachfunctional training rig may be secured to the box by way of threaded orother suitable fasteners. The fasteners may pass through slots formed inat least one of the functional training rig and the pre-positionedplates to allow vertical and horizontal adjustment of the or eachfunctional training rig relative to the box.

The box may be provided with hinged upright doors and or with side wallswhich open or fold away. A ramp may be provided in the region of thedoors. The ramp may be removable or may be hinged so as to hinge backinto the box when not in use.

The box may comprise an ISO shipping container, such as a 3m, 6.1m or12.2m ISO shipping container.

The box may be provided with internal lighting and/or ventilation and/orair-conditioning.

The roof of the box may be provided with a canopy. The canopy may befastened over one or more of the top, front, rear and sides of the box,for example to provide protection from the weather.

Components of the or each functional training rig may be stored onstorage racks within the box for transportation. A positive restrainingdevice may be provided to secure components to the storage racks duringtransportation of the box. The racks may extend from the floor of thebox to the roof thereof.

Accessories and attachments for the or each functional training rig maybe stored within the box. The accessories and attachments may be storedon storage racks and/or in containers and/or in additional boxes. Suchcontainers and/or additional boxes may be adapted to be secured to thefloor of the box by threaded fasteners and/or brackets fortransportation, but may be removed from the box and, once theaccessories and attachments have been deployed, may be used, forexample, for plyometric exercises. The additional boxes may be providedwith wheels.

In use, the or each functional training rig may be supported on one ormore ground-engaging plates.

The box may be provided with unique identification, such as a serialnumber applied to an identification plate.

A plurality of boxes may be arranged adjacent to each other. Respectiveadjoining sides and/or ends of the boxes may be arranged to fold away tocreate a larger single internal area.

Thus, the present invention provides a fully transportable functionaltraining gym.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show moreclearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, byway of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of a functional training rigassembled from a functional training rig kit according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the functional training rig shownin FIG. 1 ;

FIGS. 3 is a rear elevational view of the functional training rig shownin FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the functional training rig shownin FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the functional training rig shown in FIG. 1with the top removed;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the functionaltraining rig shown in FIG. 1 in the direction A as shown in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the functionaltraining rig shown in FIG. 1 in the direction B as shown in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the functionaltraining rig shown in FIG. 1 in the direction C as shown in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of another embodiment of a functional training rigassembled from a functional training rig kit according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a functional trainingrig assembled from a functional training rig kit according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bracket assembly for use in thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view of storage racks for use in the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is a top view of storage racks for use in the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a first perspective view corresponding to FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 15 is a second perspective view corresponding to FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 16 is an end view corresponding to FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a storage rack foruse in the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage rackfor use in the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a storage rackfor use in the present invention;

FIG. 20 corresponds to FIG. 19 but with components of a functionaltraining rig supported on the storage rack;

FIG. 21 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 22 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 14 ;

FIGS. 23 and 24 show a canopy for use in the present invention; and

FIGS. 25 to 30 illustrate the modular nature of functional training rigsaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The functional training rig and functional training rig kit shown inFIGS. 1 to 8 comprises a box 1, for example in the form of an ISOshipping container, provided with upright hinged doors 3 at one endthereof. The box 1 is made of a suitable material, such as steel oraluminium and is readily transportable on a suitable transporter, suchtransporters being well-known for ISO shipping containers. The box 1illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 is based around a 3m ISO shipping container(having substantially a length of 3m, a height of 2.4m and a width of2.4m), although as will be explained hereinafter the box 1 can be basedaround alternative ISO shipping containers, such as 6.1m and 12.2mcontainers, or can alternatively be based around an alternative form ofcontainer. The doors 3 may be lockable if desired. As an alternative tothe illustrated doors, access to the interior of the box may be by wayof upright doors or side walls which open or fold away.

As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, components for aplurality of functional training rigs are stored within the box 1 fortransportation, for example on suitable storage racks 5, which may be ofthe same material as the box, for example steel, and may be secured tothe box by any suitable means, such as welding. The storage racks 5extend from the floor of the box 1 to the roof thereof. The storageracks 5 allow the box 1 and its contents to be transported safely andwithout the risk of damage to the components. Accessories andattachments for the functional training rigs are also stored within thebox 1. Accessories and attachments include bumper plates 7 and boxes 9which may be secured to the floor of the box by threaded fasteners orbrackets for transportation, but which may be removed from the box and,once the accessories and attachments have been deployed, may be used forplyometric exercises. If desired, the box 1 may be provided withinternal lighting to facilitate moving items into and out of the box.Additionally or alternatively, the box may be provided with ventilationand/or air conditioning. Moreover, if desired, in order to provide moreinternal space after the box 1 has been delivered to its destination,the roof of the box may be adapted to be raised in the manner of a tent.This provides the advantage that it can provide shelter for users of theequipment, especially from rain and/or sun.

The box 1 may be transported by sea, air, road or rail, for example, andinternal and external fixings are designed and attached to the box 1 insuch a way as to maintain the box 1 weatherproof and so as to minimisebreaching the walls of the box. Weatherproofing of the box 1 may beimproved by applying a suitable paint, such as a marine paint, whichwould also reduce corrosion of the box. Internal and/or externalcomponents may be coated, for example by powder coating or by hot dipgalvanising, to improve appearance and resistance to corrosion. Becauseportability of the box 1 is important, each box may have associatedtherewith a unique identification, such as a unique serial numberapplied to an identification plate, to prove ownership and to facilitatetracing of the box.

Once the box and its contents, forming together the functional trainingrig kit, arrives at its destination, the box 1 can be unloaded and thefunctional training rigs can be assembled onto pre-positioned platesprovided on the outside of the box. To aid unloading and loading of thebox 1, a ramp may be provided in the region of the doors 3. The ramp mayhinge back into the box when not required or may be removable so as tobe storable within the box. The components 11 are then secured to eachother and secured in position on the outside of the box 1, for exampleby way of threaded or other suitable fasteners. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, a functional training rig 13 is secured to and positioned at each sidewall of the box 1 and is supported on ground-engaging plates 15. Thefasteners may pass through slots formed in at least one of thecomponents 11 and the pre-positioned plates to allow vertical andhorizontal adjustment of the or each functional training rig relative tothe box prior to final fixing and use of the functional training rigs.Alternatively, a nut may be welded to the outside of the box to receivethreaded fasteners from the components 11, or a socket for a pin. Ifnecessary, shims may be provided beneath the ground-engaging plates 15to ensure the plates are supported. The components 11 may be made of anysuitable material, such a square hollow section steel, and maythemselves be formed from a number of sub-components which are securedtogether, for example by welding. Although not shown, a furtherfunctional training rig may be secured to and positioned at the rearside wall of the box 1. The plyometric boxes 9 are also removed from thebox 1 and the accessories and attachments removed therefrom before theplyometric boxes 9 are positioned around the box 1 for use. That is, thebox 1 acts as a support for part of the or each functional training rigand eliminates the needs for some of the support components that wouldnormally be required. If desired, the boxes 9 may be provided withwheels to improve portability thereof.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show arrangements for 6.1m and 12.2m ISO shippingcontainers respectively. There are no differences in principle and thesame references are used to denote the same or similar components. Ineach case, the number of functional training rigs is increased, withfour for the 6.1m container and 8 for the 12.2m container. Structuresfor the functional training rigs are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 togetherwith weightlifting bars 19 and benches 21. The functional trainingrig(s) allow users to perform a range of functional training exercises,developing body strength using traditional bodyweight exercises. Asfurther gym equipment becomes available, for example targeting differentbody areas, the traditional bodyweight exercises can be supplemented bythe use of such further gym equipment. Such further gym equipment is notalways weatherproof and may be of high value, so the box 1 can be usedadditionally to store this equipment.

FIG. 11 shows in more detail how the functional training rig 13 can besecured to the box 1. As shown in FIG. 11 , a mounting bracket 22 ismounted on a side wall of the box 1 by way of one or more threadedfasteners which pass through an aperture in an attaching bracket 23 andare secured in the mounting bracket 22. More specifically, the mountingbracket 22 is substantially U-shaped in cross-section with the free endsof the U being interconnected by way of transverse ties which aretherefore spaced from the base of the U. Transverse ties may be providedin the region of each end of the mounting bracket 22, but alternativelyonly a single transverse tie may be provided or more than two transverseties may be provided. The transverse ties are threaded so that thethreaded fasteners engage in the transverse ties to secure the mountingbracket 22 at the outside of the box and the attaching bracket 23 at theinside of the box, with the fasteners passing through apertures in thebox.

The base of the U of the mounting bracket 22 is formed with an apertureat each end with a captive nut secured to the inside of the base.Alternatively, only a single aperture may be provided along the lengthof the mounting bracket 22 or more than two such apertures may beprovided. Ideally the apertures do not coincide with the transverseties. A component 11 of the functional training rig 13 is made ofsubstantially square-section material and is formed with aperturescorresponding to the apertures in the base of the U of the mountingbracket such that threaded fasteners can pass through the component 11and engage with the captive nuts to secure the component 11, andtherefore the functional training rig 13, to the mounting bracket 22 andin turn to the box 1. The mounting bracket/attaching bracket arrangementeliminates the need to assemble the functional training rig 13 with aperson both inside and outside the box 1; the arrangement can alsoreduce the number of apertures required in the side of the box, whichimproves weatherproofing of the box; and the arrangement can be apermanent fixture which does not need to be removed from the box (otherthan for replacement), even when the box is stacked or beingtransported. Because the mounting bracket/attaching bracket arrangementis not assembled to the wall of the box 1 and disassembled therefrom ona regular basis, the apertures in the wall are not subject to wear andtear which could result in distortion of the apertures and impairassembly of the functional training rig 13 to the box 1. The arrangementmay be mounted to the wall of the box 1 at a number of points notessential for mounting the functional training rig, which permits therig to be mounted at a number of alternative locations relative to thebox. The use of threads provided in the arrangement, rather than loosenuts, there is no risk of losing nuts which could compromise mounting ofthe functional training rig to the box.

Where the wall of the box 1 is corrugated with recessed wall portionsand protruding wall portions, the mounting bracket is ideally positionedin a recessed wall portion to reduce the risk of the mounting bracketbecoming damaged or interfering with adjoining equipment, such asanother shipping container.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the attaching bracket 23 may be provided with anauxiliary bracket internally of the box which can be used for supportinggym equipment within the box. The auxiliary bracket can comprise aninverted L-shaped portion with an upstanding peg.

FIG. 12 (A and B) shows two alternative internal racks for the box 1,with support brackets 24 mounted on the internal wall of the box 1 tokeep the floor space within the box 1 as clear as possible and toimprove safety for users when packing or unpacking the box. FIG. 13illustrates three different types of storage racks, 5B, 5R and 5L fordifferent types of equipment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view from onedirection corresponding to FIG. 13 showing storage racks 5B and 5L,while FIG. 15 is a perspective view from another direction showing racks5B and 5R. It will be noted the top of the box 1 has been omitted inFIGS. 14 and 15 for clarity.

FIG. 16 shows the storage rack 5B in more detail together with a writingsurface 26, such as a white board, on the inside of each door 3. Thewriting surface may be used for a number of purposes, such as keepingrecords of exercises carried out by users and/or for recording a list ofthe contents of the box 1. Markers may also be provided for use with thewriting surfaces. Alternatively, a document holder may be provided onthe inside of the doors to keep appropriate documents.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show the storage rack 5R in more detail, includingsupport brackets 24. FIG. 18 shows a number of components 11 of thefunctional training rig 13 supported on the support brackets 24 ofstorage rack 5R.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show the storage rack 5L in more detail, includingsupport brackets 24. FIG. 20 shows a number of components 11 of thefunctional training rig 13 supported on the brackets 24 of storage rack5R. A positive restraining device may be provided or included in thestorage racks 5B, 5R and 5L to secure the components 11 duringtransportation of the box 1. The position of the racks and the type ofcomponents 11 they are adapted to support may be determined with anumber of considerations in mind, such as removing the components 11from the box 1 in a preferred sequence for construction of thefunctional training rig 13 (and vice versa) and for ensuring there is asubstantially even distribution of weight throughout the box in order tofacilitate lifting and moving the box with, for example, a fork-lifttruck.

FIG. 21 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 15 showing storage rack 5R,While FIG. 22 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 14 showing storagerack 5L.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show that a canopy 26 can be provided over the box 1 foruse with the functional training rig to provide shelter againstinclement weather or the sun. As illustrated, the canopy 26 extends overand beyond the box 1, but it is not essential that the canopy extendsover the box. However, as shown in FIG. 24 , where the canopy 26 doesextend across the box 1, stairs 27 may be provided to access the top ofthe box and a handrail 28 may be provided around the edges of the top ofthe box for safety purposes.

FIGS. 25 to 28 illustrate the modular nature of the functional trainingrigs 13, using components 11 mounted to the side of the box 1 by way ofmounting brackets 22, with FIGS. 25, 26 and 27 showing how the nature ofthe functional training rig can be modified. FIG. 28 is a plan viewcorresponding to the perspective view of FIG. 25 .

FIG. 29 illustrates how one or more boxes 1 can be employed, showing inparticular, in addition to a single box, how boxes can be used in pairsor in groups of four. Where boxes are arranged side-by-side orend-to-end, the respective sides or ends of the boxes may be arranged tofold away to create a larger single internal area, which could be usedfor training purposes. FIG. 30 shows such an arrangement together withthe components 11 of a functional training rig mounted to the outside ofthe box 1 by way of mounting brackets 22.

1. A functional training rig kit comprising a box and a plurality ofcomponents adapted to fit within the box, wherein at least one of theplurality of components is attachable to an outside of the box toprovide at least one functional training rig attached to the outside ofthe box, wherein the functional training rig is adapted to be supportedby the outside of the box, wherein the functional training rig comprisesa plurality of horizontal components of said plurality of components,wherein said plurality of horizontal components are securable to the boxsuch that said plurality of horizontal components project horizontallyin a direction away from the box and normal to a vertical outside wallof the box, wherein each of the horizontal components is connectablewith one of a plurality of respective vertical components, and wherein avertical outside wall of the box is a vertical outside wall of the boxwhen the functional training rig is deployed.
 2. The functional trainingrig according to claim 1, wherein the functional training rig comprisesat least one bar extending parallel to the vertical outside wall of thebox and adapted to horizontally interconnect a first one of saidvertical components with a second one of said vertical components. 3.The functional training rig kit according to claim 1, wherein thefunctional training rig comprises a plurality of cantilever components,a first one of the cantilever components being supportable by a firstone of said vertical components, and a second of the plurality ofcantilever components being supportable by a second one of said verticalcomponents, and at least one horizontal bar adapted to beinterconnectable between the first and second cantilever components. 4.The functional training rig according to claim 2, wherein two of saidbars extending parallel to the vertical outside wall of the box areadapted to be vertically spaced from each other.
 5. The functionaltraining rig kit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of thehorizontal components of the at least one functional training rig isassemblable on the outside of the box by way of a mounting bracket,wherein a vertically extending member for supporting the at least onehorizontal component is supported by the mounting bracket.
 6. Thefunctional training rig kit according to claim 5, wherein two of saidhorizontal components are adapted to be vertically spaced from eachother and to extend from the vertically extending member of thefunctional training rig in a direction away from the box.
 7. Thefunctional training kit according to claim 5, wherein the functionaltraining rig further comprises a bar extending parallel to the verticaloutside wall and adapted to interconnect a vertically extending memberfor supporting a first one of said at least one horizontal componentswith a vertically extending member for supporting a second one of saidat least one horizontal components.
 8. The functional training rig kitaccording to claim 3, comprising at least one component adapted toextend between at least one of the cantilever components and arespective one of the vertical components.
 9. The functional trainingrig kit according to claim 8, wherein the component is an inclinedcomponent adapted to extend in an inclined manner between said at leastone of the cantilever components and said respective one of the verticalcomponents.
 10. The functional training rig kit according to claim 1,wherein at least one of said plurality of horizontal components issecurable to the vertical outside wall of the box.
 11. The functionaltraining rig kit according to claim 1, wherein the at least onefunctional training rig is attachable to the outside of the box in sucha way that vertical and/or horizontal movement between the functionaltraining rig and the box is permitted.
 12. The functional training rigkit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one functional trainingrig is secured to the box by way of threaded or other suitablefasteners.
 13. The functional training rig kit according to claim 1,wherein components of the at least one functional training rig arestored on storage racks within the box for transportation.
 14. Thefunctional training rig kit according to claim 1, wherein accessoriesand attachments for the at least one functional training rig are storedwithin the box.
 15. A functional training rig secured to a box, thefunctional training rig comprising a plurality of components adapted tofit within the box, wherein the box comprises a plurality of walls andwherein at least one of the plurality of components is attached to anoutside portion of the box such that a portion of the functionaltraining rig is attached to an outside of the box, wherein thefunctional training rig is supported by the outside of the box, whereinthe functional training rig comprises a plurality of horizontalcomponents of said plurality of components, wherein said plurality ofhorizontal components are secured to the box, wherein each of thehorizontal components projects horizontally in a direction away from andnormal to a vertical outside wall of the box and connects to one of aplurality of respective vertical components of said plurality ofcomponents , and wherein the vertical outside wall of the box is avertical outside wall of the box when the functional training rig isdeployed.
 16. The functional training rig secured to the box accordingto claim 15, wherein the functional training rig comprises a barextending parallel to the vertical outside wall of the box andhorizontally interconnecting a first one of said vertical componentswith a second one of said vertical components.
 17. The functionaltraining rig secured to the box according to claim 15, wherein thefunctional training rig comprises a plurality of cantilever components,a first of the cantilever components being supported by a first one ofsaid vertical components, and a second of the plurality of cantilevercomponents being supported by a second one of said vertical components,and at least one horizontal bar interconnecting the first and secondcantilever components.
 18. The functional training rig according toclaim 15, wherein at least one of the horizontal components of the atleast one functional training rig is assembled on the outside of the boxby way of a mounting bracket, and wherein a vertically extending membersupporting the at least one horizontal component is supported by themounting bracket.
 19. A functional training rig kit comprising a box anda plurality of components adapted to fit within the box, wherein atleast one of the plurality of components is attachable to an outside ofthe box to provide at least one functional training rig attached to theoutside of the box, wherein the functional training rig is adapted to besupported by the outside of the box, wherein the functional training rigcomprises a plurality of horizontal components of said plurality ofcomponents, wherein said plurality of horizontal components aresecurable to the box such that said plurality of horizontal componentsproject horizontally in a direction away from the box and normal to avertical outside wall of the box, wherein each of the horizontalcomponents is connectable with one of a plurality of respective verticalcomponents, wherein the vertical outside wall of the box is a verticaloutside wall of the box when the functional training rig is deployed,wherein at least one of the horizontal components of the at least onefunctional training rig is assemblable on the outside of the box by wayof a mounting bracket, wherein a vertically extending member forsupporting the at least one horizontal component is attachable to themounting bracket.
 20. The functional training rig kit according to claim19, wherein two of said horizontal components are adapted to bevertically spaced from each other and to extend from the verticallyextending member of the functional training rig in a direction away fromthe vertical outside wall of the box.